Just a personal observation...being highly impressed with the layout/graphics/colors at ZFI (having just gone there for the first time), I find myself thinking it would be a real improvement to acquire some of what they have (the tan background/green header being much easier on the eyes)...and seeing that both are part of the phpBB Group,it would seem not to be too difficult to arrange...

Bhikkhus, if you develop and make much this one thing, it invariably leads to weariness, cessation, appeasement, realization and extinction. What is it? It is recollecting the Enlightened One. If this single thing is recollected and made much, it invariably leads to weariness, cessation, appeasement, realization and extinction.Anguttara-Nikaya: Ekanipata: Ekadhammapali: PañhamavaggaVSMVMMWBBTBHTWTBTMy Page

He turns his mind away from those phenomena, and having done so, inclines his mind to the property of deathlessness: 'This is peace, this is exquisite — the resolution of all fabrications; the relinquishment of all acquisitions; the ending of craving; dispassion; cessation; Unbinding.' (Jhana Sutta - Thanissaro Bhikkhu translation)

Thanks for the suggestions. The responses here are exactly why the colors will stay the same . . . at least for now. After experimenting here and at Dharma Wheel, we have found that no matter what color scheme is used there will be approximately:

20 that absolutely love the colors20 that absolutely hate the colors3,000 that don't care

So, based on that we received some general ideas from the members at both forums and chose some colors that we felt were appropriate for Theravada here (more yellow and orange) and with a different scheme at Dharma Wheel (more maroon and gold) for the Mahayana. The color fades at the banner and the font style ties the two forums together since they are affiliated with each other. And of course the names and the Wheel !

As much as I aesthetically like the ZFI layout, the darker colours they use tend to have an unwanted psychological impact on participants. This was one of the common themes observed and commented on by members at Dharma Wheel when we, for an extended period of time, had rather dark colours prevailing. It was actually Nana (Geoff) who brought it to our attention that the colour scheme there was inappropriate, and feedback from others confirmed his intent.

Metta,Retro.

If you have asked me of the origination of unease, then I shall explain it to you in accordance with my understanding: Whatever various forms of unease there are in the world, They originate founded in encumbering accumulation. (Pārāyanavagga)

Exalted in mind, just open and clearly aware, the recluse trained in the ways of the sages:One who is such, calmed and ever mindful, He has no sorrows! -- Udana IV, 7